Good morning, Albuquerque.

Coro Lux will perform composer Craig Hella Johnson’s original work Considering Matthew Shepard on Sunday in Albuquerque.

The piece honors Matthew Shepard and features music from many genres–ending with a call for peace.

The Town of Bernalillo will host its annual Fiesta de Música y Cultura tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Recreation Center at 370 Rotary Park Road—featuring live music by Guillermo Calderon and Baila!

Baila! along with free food and entertainment for all ages.

Today at Balloon Fiesta Park, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features a special shapes rodeo day as officials wait for weather updates—while heavy traffic slows access.

State funds allowed UNM College of Education & Human Sciences to hire seven new faculty and one early childhood teacher—boosting expertise in math, reading, special education, and bilingual programs—to meet urgent teacher shortages.

This investment builds lasting support for New Mexico classrooms.

UNM will host Homecoming 2025 from Oct.

13 to Oct. 18 with a S’mores Roast, a concert featuring Malcolm Todd, a basketball meet-up, an open house, a young alumni gathering and a tailgate football game for the Lobos’ 100th homecoming game+ the events honor the university’s legacy and offer both free activities and ticketed specials.

The University of New Mexico’s annual Salsa Showdown will take place on Oct.16 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Building Atrium and Smith Plaza.

The free event (part of the UNM Gives campaign with United Way) will include a friendly salsa recipe competition, carnival booths, and the launch of the Lobo Paws initiative with students hosting for the first time.

Rep. Gabe Vasquez sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson urging Congress to pass a bill that will pay military members during the shutdown, warning that nearly three million military families—including 22,000 in New Mexico—will miss their next paycheck if no action is taken by Oct. 15.

UNM will pay $195,000 in a settlement over an IPRA lawsuit regarding its weapons inventory—this agreement settles claims while details of changes in procedures remain limited.

New Mexico has opened a debt relief program for livestock veterinarians to apply for up to $80,000 in school loan repayment in exchange for four years of service in counties with limited food animal care—applications for 2025 will be accepted through Nov.

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Louie Sanchez is running for Albuquerque mayor and is banking on his long experience—he avoids political labels—to tap into voter discontent.

Due to the federal shutdown, only six FAA inspectors are checking safety at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta this week instead of the usual 12—both Fiesta officials and a retired inspector said the event will still be safe.

Local officials will continue to use trained staff to complete ramp checks and maintain safety for all participants.

County commissioners approved proclamations for Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Months after Shana Aldahl from the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence said five of eight homicides last year were linked to domestic violence and that calls for help, shelter stays and child services rose a lot—purple ribbons were posted around Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and Placitas. They also approved a resolution to control land for a planned hypersonic rocket plant by Castelion Corporation and began talks with the State Land Office over oil and gas leases costing $50,000 each that could bring hundreds of jobs if the plant is built.

Health and finance experts told lawmakers that New Mexico's Health Professional Loan Repayment Program—currently offering up to $75,000 for a three-year service commitment—should be updated to help fill a shortage of nearly 900 health worker vacancies statewide.

They pointed out that other states offer larger awards and urged changes to improve recruitment, especially in rural areas.

Balloon Fiesta Pints and Painting

12-3 p.m. — Canteen Taproom — $30 includes all supplies + beer discounts — Unleash creativity while enjoying craft beer and painting a Balloon Fiesta theme.

Kellen Erskine Live Comedy Show

5-11 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with stand-up by Kellen Erskine.

Leonid & Friends Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Cost not specified — Experience a vibrant tribute to Chicago with Leonid & Friends' powerhouse performance.

Costaki Economopoulos Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket price varies — Enjoy an evening with Costaki Economopoulos, the football joke guy known for his performance in all 50 states.

Marisela Concert

8:30-10:00 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary voice of Marisela, the Queen of Palenques, live in concert.

Easton Corbin Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Dirty Bourbon — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of traditional and modern country music with the talented Easton Corbin.

SkyDxddy Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All Ages — Experience a night of music with SkyDxddy featuring Demi The Daredevil.

Black Jacket Symphony Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kimo Theatre — Tickets on sale now — Experience a live rendition of AC/DC’s 'Back in Black' along with greatest hits in a full rock-and-roll spectacle.

MasterChef All-Stars Live! Featuring Past Contestants

7-8:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Tickets start at $88 — Experience a culinary journey with beloved MasterChef contestants live on stage.

FrankenToys Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Central & Unser Public Library — Free entry — Breathe new life into forgotten toys in a creatively monstrous workshop.